Keir Starmer to face PMQs after watered-down welfare reforms vote

Keir Starmer is set to face questions in the Commons on Wednesday amid the fallout from his watered-down welfare reforms.

The Prime Minister’s Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill passed its first hurdle on Tuesday night, with MPs voting 335 to 260 in favour.

However, it was a hollowed-out version of the initial proposals.

As he left Downing Street on Wednesday morning, the PM stumbled slightly on the steps to Number 10 just as he’s asked: “Have you lost control of your MPs, Prime Minister?”

Starmer catches himself, using the railing for support before walking off towards the car that took him to the House of Commons.

Starmer’s welfare reforms originally wanted to cut Universal Credit health top-ups for new claims from April 2026, review Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments, and “focus PIP on those with higher needs”.

Watch
Stumble: Keir Starmer slips while leaving for Prime Minister’s Questions

The cuts to Universal Credit would have directly impacted benefit claimants in Scotland, while the other changes would have impacted the amount of money coming to Social Security Scotland for devolved benefits.

However, 126 Labour backbenchers signed an amendment last week to halt the welfare reform legislation.

The rebels argued that the plans were rushed and would push vulnerable disabled people into poverty.

Starmer’s government was forced to backtrack not once but twice before the crucial vote on Tuesday.

Under the concessions, PIP claimants will continue to receive the benefits they currently get, as will recipients of the health element of universal credit.

Then, on Tuesday evening, just hours before the vote, disability minister Sir Stephen Timms conceded that changes to PIP will not take place until after a review of the benefit has concluded.

Starmer is likely to face questions and scrutiny from opposition leaders about these last minute changes, and about his leadership of the Labour party.

PMQs will be live from the House of Commons at noon on Wednesday.